WASHINGTON (October 7, 2013) – Heather Zichal, deputy assistant to the president for energy and climate change, is leaving the post, according to reports confirmed by the White House.

Natural Resources Defense Council President Frances Beinecke made the following statement:

“Heather Zichal has been a vital voice for the environment within the White House and a key architect in drafting the policies our country needs to cut carbon pollution, address climate change and protect health. We are sorry to see her go.”

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 1.4 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.